Footballer starts League One match just hours after pleading guilty to causing cyclist’s death in horror crash
A FOOTBALLER started a League One match just hours after he pleaded guilty to causing a cyclist’s death in a horror crash.
Mansfield Town striker Lucas Akins, 36, was driving his Mercedes G350 near Huddersfield when he hit 33-year-old Adrian Daniel.
Lucas Akins admitted causing a cyclist’s death in a horror crash[/caption]
Adrian Daniel was struck by the player’s Mercedes[/caption]
The cyclist was rushed to hospital with serious injuries but tragically couldn’t be saved and died ten days later on March 27, 2022.
Akins appeared at Leeds Crown Court yesterday where he admitted causing death by careless or inconsiderate driving.
Just hours later, he took to the pitch for Mansfield Town in their 0-0 draw against Wigan.
Manager Nigel Clough later discussed his decision to include Akins in his starting 11.
He said: “We’ve known about it for some time, it’s not just happened but we’re not in a position to comment.”
The court was told the horror unfolded on March 17, 2022, as Adrian cycled in the village of Netherton.
Prosecutor Carmel Pearson said Akins’ plea was accepted by the Crown, who had relayed the information to the cyclist’s family.
His Honour Judge Menary told the footballer: “You have pleaded guilty to the offence at count 2.
“I am imposing an interim disqualification and you are now disqualified from obtaining or getting a driving licence. You must not drive on a public road.”
Akins was bailed to return to court for sentencing on April 24.
The striker came through the youth academy at Huddersfield and made his debut for them in 2007.
He had stints at Northwich Victoria, Hamilton Academical, Partick Thistle, Tranmere Rovers and Stevenage.
Akins spent eight years at Burton Albion before he joined Mansfield in January 2022.
He has made four international appearances for Caribbean nation Grenada, who he qualifies for through his mum.
The Mansfield Town star will be sentenced next month[/caption]
